Thursday, December 29, 2011

I just took a 2 mile walk since my knee has been acting up (back to running {hopefully} tomorrow) on the treadmill. I READ while walking on the treadmill, which was really nice! I can't read while I run on the tread (too wobbly), but reading while I was walking on an incline (ranging between 4-6) worked out! I have the Polar Dash 5kon Sunday, so I have to be gentle with my knee. I think I may go pick up a new brace on the way out tonight...

Drinks tonight with Lee and Kali and Sean (and who knows who else?!?) for my belated birthday. SUPER EXCITED! This mama has to unwind!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I love Christmas. I love spending time with family and Christmas is one of the best opportunities for that.

Christmas Eve is when we have always celebrated with my immediate family. Hanging out with the siblings and the grandmas, Uncle Harold whining worse than us kids about wanting to open presents, football (if applicable), dinner, presents and more hanging out before sleeping to await Santa's arrival.

The cast has changed a bit with some departures and some new arrivals, but the game is pretty much the same.

Hang out. Snacks. Football. Dinner. Presents.

Did I mention that I love Christmas?

This year was a little different for me. It was a bit more active than the usual "sit-like-a-lump-and-snack-while-waiting-for-dinner-and-presents"

Last minute grocery/Christmas shopping with Mom

Bake pretzel rolls

2.5 mile run with Jason

Bake pumpkin pie for Ty

Attempt to get two 2-year-olds to sit still for a picture

Open presents/Help a 2-year-old open presents

Put together a giant play kitchen

It was great. It always is. My run was great, as well. It was the first time I did a longer run with someone (not an official race) and held a conversation the whole time. I felt great until afterward when I realized I had done something to one of my toes...*sigh*...still hurts.

Christmas morning we headed to GB for the day. Visited with family, Lilly got to play with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Dan and Uncle Pat (and some cousins!) and then headed back the next day. It was a short trip, but Lee had to work today, so there wasn't much of an option.

Plan for the week?

Clean here and there

Run a few times

Read my book

Relax a bit

Go out to celebrate my birthday

???

I didn't do much for myself last week...it was more about prepping for the holiday. This week will be about me! Oh, some cleaning and stuff, too, I guess.

Friday, December 23, 2011

We sure had the snow coming down this morning despite the weatherman saying it would be a brown Christmas. I am THRILLED because I love the snow!!! You cannot have a Minnesota Christmas without snow. Anyway, I've been slacking on the running thing lately, so I made myself go today. I took a shot of the road...

Makes Sense Why I Had NO Traction...

Well, it was probably the best run I have ever had. I felt great once I hit the road where I usually come back (around 2.5 miles), so I just kept going (up a big hill). I have never been on a run before and not thought "WHEN THE HELL IS THIS TORTURE GOING TO END?!?!?" I have never been on a run before and thought, "I feel pretty good...let's keep going!" It was a great feeling :) I ran a little loop and then ran to the end or our street (dead end). 40:03 was how long I ran (with crappy traction in the snow). I tracked my route when I got back...3.93 miles! I was .07 miles short of 4 miles!!! That is still the longest I have ever run at one time. And I had a realization...

I can totally run a half marathon...

Birthday dinner tonight with Lee and then Christmas Eve with the family tomorrow (and perhaps a morning run). I might try my hand at making pretzel rolls tomorrow!!!

I was nervous about the bread, since it was my first shot at making any sort of yeast bread, but it turned out okay. I might make some more today or tomorrow. I am making a bunch of banana bread tomorrow. Anybody want some banana bread?

Lee said he wanted some biscotti and brownies to bring to work, so I made the treats and sent him with a tray today: I am anxious to see how it goes over...

Lee's Work Treat Tray (All of the above...minus the bread)

So, I know this isn't about yesterday's baking adventure, but Lilly was helping put up stockings and playing with Christmas hats. She is such a doll...

Laundry is in and who knows what else is on the agenda today. Most def some gift wrapping...gotta get going on that! We shall see...maybe some running since my ankle is feeling better...???

Monday, December 19, 2011

Okay, so I've got the next two weeks off (thank you very much, saving up vacation days is SOOOOO worth it). Today is day one of that two weeks and I'm baking! I've got Pandora on, I'm working on baking my first loaf of yeast bread (white...simple for my first go at it) and I've gotten brownies in the oven, too! I've got banana bread and biscotti to bake, as well, and who knows what else.

I should probably throw some laundry in at some point and maybe do a little cleaning and gift wrapping, eh?

I'll let you know later how I made out today!

XOXO

PS yes...I am aware that this post has nothing to do with running or exercising or eating right. That's okay in my book, especially since I did do a nice 3 miler yesterday :)

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had a really awful/terrible/dreadful/bad food relationship day. I ate so much I was sick. Later, I ate more when I still felt full and sick. Repeat throughout the day. Fail. Oh, well. It was still a good day.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

I still don't like the treadmill (though I did have a very nice 2.5 miler on Monday), so I have been craving an outdoor run since in snowed and got colder and since it is too dark to run by the time I get home (our neighborhood has 1 streetlight {yes...I said 1 streetlight} and it is right across from our house). I had Lee pick up Bean last night (since it was 37 degrees out) and I zoomed home, threw on my running gear, and took off.

2.5 miler up a big hill and back down a little hill

The run was going fairly well. I felt pretty damn good! However, shortly after the 1.5 mile mark, I got a sharp pain under my rib. It was like somebody stabbed me with a knife and twisted it. It stopped me in my tracks. I couldn't breathe because the pain was so bad. I had to walk really slowly for about 3 minutes/stop to try to stretch it out (which totally threw off my pace...bummer).

Overall, it was okay. I got to run outside and still did okay despite the long, big hill around the 1 mile mark (and my stalling pain). Oh, yeah, I got a huge knot in my right thigh from the cold after I was done and walking. Walked it out on the treadmill and took a nice little bath. 'Twas enjoyable.

I am ahead of schedule for training this week, so that makes me really happy! I can will do this!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Yesterday started off pretty decent for a Monday after a pretty decent weekend. Bean was in a good mood and was giving kisses quite freely, Lee made me my oatmeal breakfast while I got ready, I looked pretty adorable (if I do say so myself), and my coffee was making my soul happy.

And just like *that* I didn't give a shit anymore.

Something happened (and no...I'm not going to get into it on here. Those that know...know. Those that don't...won't).

I didn't want to do this stupid weight loss thing anymore. I didn't care about stupid running. I didn't want to go for any more stupid runs. I didn't want to do any stupid 10k's or Half's or Full's. I didn't want to talk to people about stupid losing weight. I didn't want to talk to people about stupid exercising. I didn't want to talk to people about stupid running.

I didn't want to write this stupid. fucking. blog anymore (pardon the language).

A cute little box. A box I will keep forever because it meant a lot to me.

Not necessarily the box, itself, though it was quite nicely painted (way to go, Sean!), but it was the contents.

It was truly filled with sunshine and the whole thing just warmed my heart and meant more to me than I can really say. I'm not quite ready to share with you fine folks what was inside, but know that that girl is many things: crafty, clever and adorable!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Enjoyed a dinner at Famous Dave's with Lee and Lilly. I know it was a bazillion calories, but it was so worth it to get to enjoy some grub out with the two best people. Lilly was such a good kiddo while we were out, so it made it even better.

Went shopping with my Mom for a bit. She made me get some clothes for "under the tree" since I don't have a lot of clothes that fit me anymore. This ended in her giving me them all save for a pair of jeans because she doesn't "feel like wrapping all that stuff".

Saturday:

Got to pick up my Bibs and Gear for Polar Dash and Get Lucky. They had it set up really well and the gear is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Went and got student rush tickets with Lee for Christmas. We saw Les Misérables (Lee's favorite show) at the Orpheum (my favorite theatre). It was a great show. We had great seats. It was a great time.

Grabbed a slice of pizza at Mesa Pizza in Dinkytown on our way home (oh, Mac and Cheese pizza...how I love thee!)

Sunday:

Got to read the paper and enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast while Lilly and Daddy ran to the store.

Did some more shopping with my Mom. It was a rather unsuccessful trip for me, but she got something she had been looking for. I got some Starbucks, so that was a nice treat!

Post-shopping nap during football. It was delightful (even if Lilly REALLY didn't want me to sleep)

4-5 loads of laundry (this is what happens when you miss a weekend of laundry and are too lazy to do it during this week...) and we aren't quite done.

Wrapped some presents. I'm not quite done, but I'm getting there!

As you can see, the planned 2.5 miles outside did not happen. The plan was to do them Sunday after my nap, but that lasted until 4:13 or so...as it was getting dark. And there was NOTHING that was getting me on that treadmill last night, so the run just didn't happen. I was really bummed about it, but now, I'm just letting it roll.

So, I'm rethinking my workout plan for the near future. The treadmill and I are are still enemies, so the straight 2+ mile runs are worse than torture. I'm thinking maybe some speed drills or something. I don't know, but I have to figure something out...

Thursday, December 8, 2011

So, I'm not really sure that I need a schedule to "train" for this 5k, but I created one (along with one for the Get Lucky 7k and then the Minneapolis Half Marathon) to keep me on track and actually running. I figured I would post it every once in a while to keep myself accountable! I plan on using my Sunday runs (at least) to run outside in preparation for the whole "running-outside-on-the-1st-of-the-year" thing. Wish me luck! I am actually looking forward to running outside...I still hate the treadmill... Any ideas/suggestions on how to make it better???

Scale was being kind of goofy this morning...but here is my un-"official" weight.

Cue drum roll, please.

*drum roll*

Hello there, 140s!!!

It took me an extra two weeks, but I'm in the 140s finally!!! The original plan was the week of Thanksgiving, but that didn't happen with the guests at the house. I'll take the two weeks late! Now, let's see if I can keep this going. Next goal...???

How about...145 pounds by my 27th birthday. That gives me two weeks to lose 4.6 pounds. Let's do this! Tough? Yes, but I sure can try!

Last night, my blog had a minor face lift. I didn't like how junky the layout was, so I tweeked it a bit. For now, it will do.

Also, my little bloggie had a name and url change! I'm becoming more and more aware that I will never fully give up my Cookie Girl side, so I've decided I just have to be a Cookie Girl and a Runner Girl. Hence, the blog name is now Cookie Girl Runner Girl and the new url: http://cookiegirlrunnergirl.blogspot.com/ (I simply removed the word "to"...since I'm merging both sides).

Finally, I'm trying to find a way to keep myself logging my meals. It is tedious to look everything up on LoseIt! every time I put it in my mouth, so I'm trying something new...

My FoodTracker Journal!

﻿

I'm going to be using this little guy to write down everything I put in my mouth (except for water) and then I can log it all at the end of the day. This will help me (I hope) become better able to learn what my daily calorie intake should look like...without having to really track my calories as I go. Here goes...wish me luck...

Haha...fooled you into thinking I had that special list, eh? Well, I don't, but I'm looking to get some good new music for the Ultimate Running Mix. My problem is that I get sick of songs or find (mid-run) that they don't have enough punch/bass/beat. Some of the gems on my current/former list are (in no particular order)...NO JUDGING!!!...

She said that to me over three months ago and I started to write this entry, but never finished it and never published it. Why?

I told myself I was dumb and being way too sensitive.

At the beginning of November, we got together with Lee's Dad's side of the family for Grandma Mary's funeral. That in itself was a struggle because she was a great lady. Aside from that (and yes, I'm being totally self-centered...as this is MY blog), the comments really got to me. We don't see Lee's extend family a great deal with us being in Minnesota and them being in Eastern Wisconsin. To be honest, most of them haven't seen me since last Christmas (shortly after I started this journey), if not last May when Becky got married (which was...three months after Lilly was born and I looked like a big, bloated, fluffy whale-of-a-woman).

"Wow, Kate. You look amazing! Have you just lost a ton of weight or what?"

"I can't believe how great you look."

"You look beautiful, by the way."

Comments from aunts and cousins and the last from a male cousin as I was giving him a hug goodbye. I just never know how to take this stuff yet. I generally just blush and mumble a "yeah, thanks" and kind of walk away. I know this doesn't always seem like the most polite thing to do, but I honestly don't know how to take compliments about my weight.

On Friday, one of my co-workers said something to me as I walked by. I thought she called me "skanky" so I asked her what she said. She said, "I said you are so skinny!" It was weird. I don't know. Getting compliments from people who aren't in the same boat I am in...who aren't on this same journey I am...it just doesn't seem comfortable for me. I know that doesn't make much sense, especially for those who have always been around a healthy body weight. I am, for the first time in my adult, near a healthy weight for my body.

How do normal people take weight loss compliments? Am I supposed to gloat and gush about the fact that I don't (generally) eat like crap anymore or that I run my little tail off to do it? Is mumbling a quiet thank you and nothing more acceptable?

I feel like I am, to an extent, more self-conscious now and as I lose more weight than I was when I was bigger. I supposed that I knew how to "live" in that skin. I knew how to own who and what I was. This current ground is all foreign to me... I know there are people out there that just say "be you...be who you've always been...". Well, I have always been a fat girl and I'm not really that anymore, so things have changed...I have changed...

Yes, I realize that I'm posting this a week and a half late...but whatever...

Thanksgiving is probably one of my favorite holidays. It is the one time of year that my entire family (Dad's side) gets together...and this year was no different. This year, in fact, it was even better, but I will get to that...

Anyway, on to my Thanksgiving Day 2011 (*break it down, now!*):

Woke up way too early to go with Jason and Jen to run the Fast Before the Feast 5k in White Bear Lake. I started of the day WAY AWESOME with a new personal record 5k time of 30:16 (hush up, you...I know I'm pokey...)

That's me in pink behind the lady with a turkey on her head...

Headed back home to shower and get ready for the Miller Family Extravaganza! Helped cook and clean and get everything perfect. And people came and came! It wasn't just my Dad's side of the family either! It was my Mom's brother and his family (more on this later) and two of Lee's brothers and there were friends!

Tammy (sis), Jason (bro) and me...I love how special we all look

Ate lots and lots and lots of great food (Mom always makes the best Thanksgiving meals!) I got sick and then I proceeded to eat more! And then I took a break and ate some more! And then dessert (or rather, desserts!) And then I rested and everyone left and I ate some more!

Checked out the Black Friday ads and finalized the plan of attack with my mom. Did not go to bed (as stores opened at midnight!), but ate some more while waiting to head out.

And I sang The Thanksgiving Song by Adam Sandler quite a bit...because it is funny to sing on Thanksgiving. Okay...so I could only remember the part that is like "Turkey lurkey dee and turkey lurkey daa...I like to eat Turkey with my Ma"...if that is really even part of it...but still..

Thursday, November 24, 2011

I got up bright and early on Thanksgiving Day. My brother, Jason, picked me up at 6:15, as we had to go pick up Jen and head down to White Bear Lake to run the Fast Before the Feast 5k. We got there early to pick up our packets and sat in the car getting ready and keeping warm...it was pretty cold out! Eventually, the 10k took off so we hit up the port-a-potties and headed to the starting line. After a few minutes of jumping in place and 3-way-slow-motion-explosion fist bumping (if you don't know what that is, I scoff at you *scoff*scoff*), it was our turn to take off on our excursion.

I stayed one pace with Jason for a bit and then wised up and realized he runs WAY too fast for me. I then kept a few steps behind Jen, but also realized that I just needed to pace myself and run MY pace or I'd end up walking. I had layered my new zip-up over my running shirt and had my earmuff thing on, since it was so chilly. Around .5 miles in, I realized that this was a big mistake. I was heating up really quickly, but just pushed my sleeves up as best I could and kept on going.

The run itself wasn't too bad. It was mostly through a residential area (and there were quite a few people cheering the runners on...which is awesome). It was a bit hilly, but it didn't kill me as bad as I thought. The first marker I saw was at the two mile. I looked down and saw that I was at 19:27, which is a great pace for me! I got really excited and knew that if I kept it up, I would have a new personal record. I had set out with a goal of beating 32 minutes, but this had me on par to even beat 31 minutes! The elevation map of the course doesn't show it, but there was a LONG hill about the 2.5 mile mark uphill...ugh...thought I was going to die! I figured this completely ruined me, but when I saw the finish line, as per usual, I sprinted! As soon as I crossed the finish line, I looked stopped my iPod and took a look.

At first, I was THRILLED that I thrashed my old PR set a month earlier! Then, I was totally bummed that I had been so close (yet not close enough) to meeting my 5k record of breaking 30 minutes. After finding Jen and Jason, there were high-fives all around as all three of us beat the time we had hoped to beat at the race. We went and got our bananas and headed home.

This was the first race I've been in that has been chip timed. After I saw my official time, I was even more upset...but even more proud of myself. I know that next time, I CAN BREAK 30!

So. Freakin. Close.

Is this a new tradition? Perhaps. Now, to train for the next race and get my 2012 goals in place...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I'm excited to keep things going in this last 7 weeks of 2011. I'm aiming to run the Polar Dash 10k on January 1, 2012...to start things off right and cross one of my first 2012 goals off this list right away. Therefore, check this out:

This is my running schedule. Let's see if I can NOT make excuses and stick with this thing. I may have to waiver some of the runs, but this brings us to a big goal for 2011...

RUN 100 MILES BEFORE IT ENDS!

Crazy? No! Do-able? Totally do-able! I just have to DO IT!

Another goal?

HIT 145 POUNDS!

Crazy? No! Do-able? Totally do-able! I just have to DO IT!

Let's recap my goals for the remainder of 2011:

Run 100 Miles Before the End of 2011

Hit 145 Pounds

Let's do this! Also, there may be some changes coming in the "Weigh In" schedule...but we still have to figure that out...not quite there yet...

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

This morning, I was down 2.9 pounds since my last official weigh in (or just .2 pounds from Friday's unofficial weigh in). I didn't break into the 140s as I had hoped, but, then again, I ate like ish this weekend, so I will take it. I highly doubt that I will be reaching 145 by next Thursday (especially with the two . I'll be happy if I can hit the 140s by next week. *crosses fingers* 140s by Thanksgiving will do!

The next month and a half will be really hard, but I'm going to do what I can to eat good when I can and exercise a little extra when I know I won't be eating good (read: Thanksgiving Day, Work Holiday Party, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, all the days in between with cookies and treats and delights!). If I can lose or at least maintain my weight loss through the holiday season, I will be content.

Last night, I ran! I felt myself starting to get tired around six, so Lee sent me down to do my thing (instead of waiting for Bean to hit the hay). I had the best mile I've ever had...naw...best TWO miles I've ever had, clocking in at 19:39! I did have about a minute rest between the miles because I had to adjust my fan, but I'm still counting it! I am going to try to come up with a training plan and start training for a 10k/10 Mile/Half. Not positive where I'm going...but I will get there!

Monday, November 14, 2011

I promised I would post my LoseIt log if I went over...and Friday...I squeaked over thanks to a tiny little Drumstick Mini Ice Cream delight...

FYI: I don't log on the weekends...even though I know I should.

Tomorrow is weigh day for me. Also, it is weigh day for the Kate and Lee Weight Loss Challenge (it is a working title...). I told Lee we should do measurements, as well, to see where we are losing. He agreed. Therefore, tomorrow, I get weighed and measured. Oh, joy.

On tonight's docket (yes, I know it isn't a legal matter, but I wanted to use the word)?

This is the first time that I've looked at my BMI in a long time. This is the first time in quite a while that I am "overweight" instead of "obese". This is the first time that I can really see some gains.

I am so close to reaching a "healthy" BMI for the first time in my life as long as I can remember...

She (yep...it is a she) was ready when I got home two nights ago. Lee had finished building her. I had my first run yesterday morning at 5:00 a.m. It did not go well, as I had NO fuel in my system. I had running on treadmills...I hate feeling like I'm never going anywhere...but I don't feel like I have much choice where my neighborhood is nearly pitch black outside less than an hour after I get home. I'll get used to it. It will keep my going in the winter. I am bound and determined to make this work. Tonight, I plan on giving it another go. Wish me luck!

On a side note, Lee and I have started another Weight Lose Challenge (he says he is going to beat me this time). We started on Monday and will be going until January 1st, 2012. We are going based on percentage lost (as our weights are quite a bit different). We are weighing in on the 1st and 15th (which keeps with my weigh ins), but we also weighed in today, just to see how our first week went.

Drum roll, please...

I AM BEATING HIM!!! So far, I am a slight percentage ahead of him *woot*woot* This mornings, weight?

151.8 pounds!

It isn't official for this blog today, so let's hope my weekend goes okay and I can keep it off. Ideally, I'd like to break the 140s by Tuesday...weigh day...the 15th. If I could reach 145 by Thanksgiving (hard, but doable), I would be thrilled. Again...wish me luck!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Lee and I decided to make "an investment in our health" (his words...not mine) and purchase a treadmill. Lee picked it up yesterday and I started to put it together last night. We plan on finishing it tonight after Lilly goes to bed. I am super excited! I feel like now I won't have excuses for not running. I can't say it is too dark out at 5 a.m. to run a few miles. I can't say that it is too dark after Lilly goes to bed to do a quick 5k. I can't say that there isn't enough daylight left when I get home from work to go for a leisurely jog through the neighborhood. This is part of my NO MORE EXCUSES plan. Wish me luck and PLEASE hold me accountable!

I went over my daily calories yesterday, due to a work lunch at Old Chicago (I couldn't resist the calzone...) and a lack of working out. Therefore, as promised, here is my LoseIt! log:

That is all for now. I have been working on a post for a while, but it isn't ready yet. I'll try to finish this week.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

As I've previously talked about, every year for my brother Jason's birthday, we have Fried Dinner. It is just what it sounds like. It is like the State Fair without the sticks or the lines! I was thinking of going into great detail about what exactly it is, but I think I'll let the pictures do the talking...

Oh, sweet deliciously fried dinner! As an added bonus, it is the one time of year I can guarantee I will get to have a good BM!

So gross, I know, but so true...

That day, my sister and I also made apple crisp. I took some neat (or what I think are neat shots) of the apples and the crumble. Enjoy.